Update as of 2/27 - for anyone looking to build a standalone Raspberry Pi-hosted instance of Comapnion, scroll down to the bottom of this text for instructions.
Updates as of 2/23 - Yes! I’ll have lunch provided and included in the cost of attending. It’ll likely be Dibella’s sub sandwiches/chips/cookies. Zingermans’ Bakehouse is also very close by if anyone needs an alternative.
Bitfocus Companion is a free software tool created to integrate the Elgato Streamdeck as a professional control surface for hundreds of devices across the world of audio and video. In this workshop setting you will learn how to get started with Companion, connect it to devices, and program buttons, variables, and automations that will expand how you run your shows.
Location
MAKERWORKS Ann Arbor, in the community room
3765 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Agenda (tentative)
How to run Companion - PC, Mac, or Linux (Raspberry Pi)
Connecting and controlling Companion
Intro to the Companion Interface
Lunch (on your own or TBD)
Using Modules - Connecting your equipment to Companion
Example Automations
Open workshop time
Tours of MAKERWORKS
Unofficial AV Tech social hour @ Mothfire Brewing Company
What to bring:
a Windows or Mac laptop
an Ethernet dongle for connecting your computer to a wired network
(optional) a Raspberry Pi (more info coming soon) if you’d like to create a standalone server
(optional, but recommended) an Elgato Streamdeck of any size, plus the cables needed to plug it into your computer
What does it cost:
I intend to keep the per-person cost under $50. This will include Dibella’s sub sandwiches/chips/cookies. MAKERWORKS is a fantastic local non-profit and most proceeds will be donated to them for using their space.
Is there a cap on attendance:
Yes, there is space for the first 20 confirmations, and those after will be waitlisted. Please RSVP below.
What gear will be present for testing:
ATEM switcher(s); BMD Hyperdeck(s), Yamaha DM3; Allen & Heath SQ6, Allen & Heath AHM, Shure ULX-D, MITTI video playback software, Qlab software, some sort of Dante network, OBS, Spotify, Sound Devices 970 recorder and perhaps a Panasonic projector.
If you have gear that is on the Companion Modules list and you want to test it during the workshop time, please let me know what it is when you RSVP.
I won’t likely have much for lighting; I haven’t explored the lighting side of Companion.
Note for Raspberry Pi users:
If you are interested in building a standalone Companion instance that runs on a Raspberry Pi, we will approach that subject toward the end of the day. The way Companion runs and is controlled is exactly the same as on a laptop, but specifically we'll talk about how to load the image onto the Pi and configure the network settings for access. If you want to have the Raspberry Pi at the class, there's still time to order the kit. You'll need the following:
A Rasberry Pi 4B or Pi 5 with at least 4GB RAM
A microSD card at least 16GB
A USB-C power supply
A case (nice but optional)
An Elgato Streamdeck (optional but great for demonstration)
I would avoid Amazon for Raspberry Pi hardware as there are plenty of unofficial reproductions. I would recommend checking out Adafruit, CanaKit, Sparkfun, or locally Micro Center in Madison Heights.
This training session is presented independently of the Bitfocus AS. organization and is not intended to replace the training that the company offers as a service. All opinions presented are those of Jameson Eisele alone!